I’ve mentioned before that though the Aberdeenshire landscape can be spectacularly beautiful, it isn’t exactly colourful. Every so often I really feel the need of bright colours, and in that state I usually draw a design that can be done colourfully. So this week’s posting is of an Aberdeenshire bird (the pheasant) dressed in some unnaturally bright colours
However, first of all, a word about backgrounds. Ever since I’ve started painting again I’m more and more conscious of the role that backgrounds can play in design, and I’m less likely these days to leave a design hanging in mid-air without some kind of background. And as I’ve been playing around lately with frayed-edge applique, I thought I’d try some frayed applique as a background for the pheasant
I digitised a series of appliqueed rectangles and stitched them out, using lightweight quilting cotton as the applique material and leaving a wide margin of fabric around the edges of the squares.
The digitised overlapping rectangles
The stitched and frayed rectangles
Then I removed the fabric from the hoop and frayed the edges of the squares. After that it was just a question of rehooping the fabric and stitching the pheasant on top of it.
The finished pheasant
I like the effect of the frayed squares – they give texture and a gentle three-dimensionality to the design, and the density of the pheasant’s tail is loose enough to let the shape of the squares show through a little. Another time I might sketch in some tree-like shapes in the squares to give a bit more of a background, but for the moment this will do, and it definitely cheers up the grey autumn days
Your frayed edges of the different size rectangles are so unique and they definitely add definition to your hand painted fabric. Your feathers look so airy and your pheasant appears to stand out in 3D. I love this raggy look!
I love this, Mia. I think not only background colours, but frayed edges are benefiting it the most. It gives you feathery feel. I was always avoiding fraying materials, but now I see how beautifully they can contribute.
I love the tail feathers, and the frayed-edge rectangles really do add interest. I can see this hanging in a gallery.
🙂
This is lovely, very dimensional! It must have taken you quite a while to get those frayed edges done. I love the effect of the feathers where they turn.
Your background is very successful and unique. I love this technique!
I love your pheasant. The fringe on the blocks definitely adds to the overall effect that you were trying to project. Definitely use it in other designs along with your frayed edge applique. They will both compliment each other.
Mia, love the frayed edges of the blocks. Almost looks like your pheasant is walking through grass. Making the background in different shapes like the natural environment they live in would be beautiful. As always thank you for sharing. You are a gifted artist.